About the Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

By Sheryl Pilcher on October 25, 2013

When it comes to helping patients look their absolute best, a plastic surgeon has many options that they can turn to. Some will involve major changes in a person's overall appearance, while others are more subtle and will involve only slight lifts and adjustments. You may be surprised by how effective a subtle procedure can be.

Right now we'd like to look at a relatively minor body sculpting surgery that can greatly enhance a person's overall body contour: the mini tummy tuck.

About Traditional Tummy Tuck Surgery

It may be best to consider the traditional tummy tuck first so you understand how the mini tummy tuck works.

A traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) involves the removal of loose skin and tissue in the lower abdominal area. It is the only way to get rid of stretch marks, drooping skin, and sagging skin in the abdominal region.

To accomplish this, three incisions are made in the form of an anchor shape:

A lateral incision that spans along the lower abdomen from one hipbone to the other

A circular incision around the navel

A vertical incision that connects the two previous incisions

What makes the mini tummy tuck different?

A mini tummy tuck involves fewer or less extensive incisions than a traditional tummy tuck. The exact incision or incisions will be determined for each patient during their consultation.

Ideal Candidates for Mini Tummy Tuck

The best candidates for mini tummy tuck are people who have just a little bit of loose skin and stretch marks in the abdominal region, most likely due to weight loss. These candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about post-surgical scarring and the recovery process.

The Surgical Procedure - Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck is performed with the patient under general anesthetic in order to prevent major distress or discomfort. As we noted previously, the exact incisions used with vary based on the patient. In many cases, just a single incision along the lower abdomen will be required, and it may not need to span from hipbone to hipbone. Through the incision, excess skin is removed and liposuction is performed to assist in overall body sculpting.

Other Kinds of Tummy Tuck Surgeries

If a patient has major body contouring needs that go beyond a traditional tummy tuck, then he or she may need to undergo an extended tummy tuck. The surgery works on the same principle as the other tummy tuck surgeries, though it involves a larger lateral incision.

Additional Body Sculpting Options

Enhancing overall body shape doesn't end at the waistline. Loose skin, sagging skin, and stretch marks can mar many different parts of your body, which is why a plastic surgeon is here to help.

There are many other body contouring and shaping surgeries out there that may prove very helpful to you in achieving your aesthetic goals. When you visit our practice for a consultation, we'll be sure to go over all different kinds of aesthetic lifts that can help you achieve the appearance that you have always wanted.

Learn More About Body Contouring Surgery

If you would like more information about your different options out there for body contouring and sculpting, be sure to contact our San Antonio, TX cosmetic plastic surgery center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve excellent cosmetic results.